Maravi

Undeveloped Ukwimi plots to be repossessed

Undeveloped Ukwimi plots to be repossessed
By Christopher Miti in Petauke
Wednesday April 02, 2008 [04:00]

UKWIMI resettlement scheme manager Allan Musumali has said over 50 undeveloped plots would be repossessed this year. In an interview in Petauke, Musumali urged people who acquired land under the scheme to be development oriented. "We give out land to people so that they can make their livelihood through agriculture. So very soon from now the land may not be enough because we distributed land to over three thousand households. But this year we are going to assess the performance of these farmers. If they are not doing fine, we are going to repossess their plots," Musumali said.

He said the farmers had occupied most of the land in all the eight farming blocks.
And Musumali said it was regrettable that some members of parliament in Petauke were not facilitating road rehabilitation works.

"We have two members of parliament who share the 120 kilometre stretch Petauke/Ukwimi road; that's Dora Siliya for Petauke Central and Peter Daka for Msanzala but have done nothing to repair the road," Musumali said.

He said Daka promised to do something when he officiated at a graduation ceremony at Ukwimi Trades Training Institute but has not fulfilled the promise. Musumali said Ukwimi area was still behind in communication because it was not covered by any mobile service providers.

"Our area needs serious attention because we are not connected to the national grid but we are only 40 kilometres away from the grid," said.

And when contacted Siliya who is also transport and communications minister said the Petauke Ukwimi road would be considered for rehabilitation.

"I think you are aware that the budget has just been approved and finance minister Ng'andu Magande said some funds would go towards road repairs mostly in rural areas, so even this road will be repaired because it's a very important road," said Siliya.

Labels: EASTERN PROVINCE, LAND

posted by MrK @ 8:51 AM